Horsemanship Level 1: The Quick Release Knot
The quick release knot is item #4 on your Horsemanship Level 1 checklist. There are several methods of tying a quick release knot, and your instructor will teach you the most simple way. For your assessment we don’t mind which one you use as long as it
- tightens when the horse pulls back
- releases smoothly when you pull the loose end of the rope
Be sure to tie to a piece of baling twine rather than directly to a solid object. That way the twine will break in an emergency. A thousand pound animal can easily hurt himself or you, as well as cause a lot of property damage by pulling out tie rings, fence posts, and stall walls if panicked.
If your horse knows how to untie herself you may daisy chain the knot to take up the slack end. However, do not tuck the loose end through the loop, as far too many videos and diagrams suggest. This defeats the purpose of the quick release knot and makes it difficult to undo in an emergency.
This week’s bonus question: What is the other meaning of ‘tying up’ in the equine world?
The answers to last week’s ‘what’s wrong with this picture’ question:
- Leading from the off side. Always lead from the near (left) side where possible
- Excess lead rope wrapped around hand. Never wrap the rope around the hand: hold excess in figure 8 in non-leading hand.
- Holding the rope too close to the clip. A 6-10′ distance is most effective.
- Turning the horse towards himself. Turn the horse away from you where possible.
Next week: Simple Grooming
Upcoming Courses
Youth Riding & Horsemanship
A six-week course for kids aged 6 - 13 years old with two streams: one for complete beginners, and another for youth who have already done some riding. Participants will learn how to groom, tack-up, ride, and care for their ponies in this fun and friendly series.
Wednesdays 1 May - 5 June
4:00 - 6:00pm
Cost: $375 (6 classes)
Individual classes (space permitting): $75 each
Instructor: Eleanor Landels
Riding Level 3+, flat
A six-class series for riders working on Level 3 or higher with an emphasis on flat-work and lower level dressage. Some ground poles and cavaletti may be included.
Wednesdays 1 May - 5 June
6:00 - 7:00 pm
cost: $275 for six classes
single classes: $55 each if space available
Instructor: Isabel Landels
Riding & Horsemanship Level 2
This six-class course is designed to help the riders achieve Horsemanship and Riding Level 2. Prerequisite: Riding & Horsemanship Level 1.
Wednesdays 1 May - 5 June
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Cost: $375 (6 classes)
Individual classes (space permitting): $75 each
Instructor: Isabel Landels
Beginner Riding & Horsemanship
This six-class course is designed to help the beginning rider achieve Horsemanship and Riding Level 1
Wednesdays 1 May - 5 June
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Cost: $375 (6 classes)
Individual classes (space permitting): $75 each
Instructor: Eleanor Landels
Mounted Combat Fundamentals
A series of six classes on the ground to teach the fundamentals of single- and two-handed longsword from the ground, prior to beginning swordplay on horseback.
Wednesdays 1 May - 5 June
7:30 - 9:30pm
Cost: $165 (6 classes)
Individual classes (space permitting): $75 each
Instructor: Dave Wayne
Mounted Combat Arts Intensive
Our next Intensive has been scheduled for August! Sign up now to save your spot in this five-day, 50 hour week of riding, horsemanship and swordplay.
Wednesday - Sunday, 31 July - 4 August
9am – 7pm
cost: $1045 full day
$895 half day
Instructors: Jennifer Landels, Devon Boorman, et al
Jennifer Landels heads up Academie Duello's Cavaliere Program. She has been swordfighting since 2008, and riding since before she could walk. She started the program as an excuse to combine those passions. Read more from Jennifer Landels.